Spring ...


...has sprung!



Advance warning! There’s hardly anything in today’s post about the position of Phil v2.0 (when compared with his predecessor), other than the implicit observation that he can still do (and enjoy) very many things

 

There’s a lot of talk about a “new normal”, but let’s not forget that there’s a fair bit of the old normal left, which we can still enjoy...

 

For what it’s worth (and it probably goes without saying), the “new normal” has some advantages - “different isn’t necessarily worse” - I’m just, not pondering on those today.

 

I am actually thinking about something which happens every year, irrespective of a pandemic - namely the arrival of Spring. This probably cheers most of us up, and that includes me. For obvious reasons, it isn’t making me - (or probably, many of us) quite as happy as in previous years, but nevertheless, its onset, does rather gladden my heart...

 

The tangible changes that I will mention in a moment, are of course a source of some optimism - looking forward to a brighter future (and no - I’ve not forgotten about what is going on in the background. It just hasn’t, completely negated positive thoughts about the future!)

 

The emerging picture of Spring really goes without saying:

 

·      The nights are getting lighter

·      The weather is improving (but I probably speak too soon!)

·      Leaves are starting to appear

·      Trees are in blossom

·      Lots of beautiful birdsong

 

Etc, etc, etc...

 

So, having started by stating the obvious - what impact has this had on my week?

 

·      In common with many of us, I have been motivated to take more outdoor exercise. This has mainly been walking. I am blessed by living in such a location as allow very much of this, to be in a rural environment.  

 

I have just got back from a lovely 6 miler. Not only pleasurable, but good for me, as well - on every day in the past week, I have exceeded 10,000 steps and burnt over 600 kcal (these are my daily goals).

 


·      On one evening this week, it was actually warm enough (first time this year) to sit out with my fire basket.



·      My best garden furniture has put in an appearance and its scruffy winter                 equivalent, has been relegated to the garden shed.

 

·      Last (but, very much not least!) I have created a vegetable patch.




 As you can see though, there is no evidence of any vegetables, yet...

It did, though strike me a couple of minutes ago, that digging alone, might not be enough - perhaps I should plant a few seeds as well?

 

The spadework took a fair bit of effort. I hope therefore that in due course, I’ll see the fruits of my labours - or is that the veg of my labours?! 

 

These activities have all been a source of pleasure, and I need as much of that, as I can possibly get ...

 

One characteristic of Phil v2.0 is a major exaggeration, of my moods. My new brain is pretty good at generating bad ones and these are easily blown out of proportion.

 

On the other hand...

 

Spring puts me in a good mood, and if this mood is artificially enhanced - what’s not to like? 






Popular posts from this blog

Image
  The “star” of this post is my eldest son. As you might recall, he is an actor.   This Christmas, I had the delight of seeing him in the Royal Exchange Theatre’s Christmas presentation.   It was a theatrical adaptation of the Noel Coward film, “Brief Encounter”.   Despite its immense acclaim, I have never seen the film, nor had any burning desire, to do so.   I did, though, thoroughly enjoy the play, and might check out the movie, accordingly.   First, I really took to the story, with its bittersweet connotations.   For those who know the story, here’s a question for you...   Is it a happy or sad ending?   I accept that the course of action taken, was the “right” thing to do. Nevertheless, I tend towards “sad”.   Perhaps I am, intrinsically immoral?!   More important than the story though, was the immensely high standard of the acting  - and that includes my son!   As a Christmas production, an element of levity was intro...
Read more
Image
  “The music never stopped”   (The Grateful Dead 1975) Not someone who is  gratefully dead...   ... more a case of someone who is  grateful, not to be so !     As I have, previously alluded to, music constitutes a very large and important part of my life.    This is not an entirely new form of behavior... it has been a characteristic of mine, since early childhood. Hence, the above Grateful Dead quotation, is rather appropriate!   As we will see though, aspects of it, have however been  affected by consequences of my accident.    Cutting to the chase...   My involvement with music, now takes several forms. Namely...   ·        Listening ·        Playing ·        Composing; and ·        Recording   So, first:   ·        Listening to it   Listening to r...
Read more
Image
  As you might have guessed from the picture, in this post I’m going to address an aspect of ancient Greek/Roman philosophy; namely, Stoicism.     Among other things, the considerations and teaching of Stoics, concerned emotions, and an elimination or reduction, of negative feelings.   Right up my street, and well worthy of further exploration!   First, please bear in mind that:   In modern usage, a “stoical” approach, is seen as one that is bereft of emotion.     It is often, considered to be a bad thing.   The reason behind this, is that many emotions are positive, and someone who doesn’t feel such things, tends to be looked upon negatively.   Ancient Stoics though, were not, however, advocating an emotionless existence, and were fully  supportive of positive feelings.   There are, of course though, negative emotions, such as anger and hate etc.   It is these kinds of things, that they were seeking to minimise. ...
Read more